Interior facelift
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
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Interior facelift
Anyone knowledgeable about interior dye--spray or wipe on over plastic and vinyl interior parts? I need to replace some panels that come unpainted and want to match the rest of the interior. I'm thinking the best way is to paint (dye) everything for best match. On other threads I'm picking up good info to dye carpet with regular RIT dye. My main concern remains the vinyl and plastic parts. Would appreciate some input on this please.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
The problem with vinyl parts is that were made with the color in it. So they generally last due to nothing can wear off. When applying a dye on these type of parts and NOT wanting it to flake off is ADHESION. So getting the part CLEAN and possibly using a good adhesion promoter such as 'BULLDOG' will aid in making sure you are attempting to give the dye the best chance to stick and not flake off. in many instances...I also apply a non-glare clear on the part so it has some protections and does not have too much shine or luster....which often times depends on what my customer wants....regardless of what the factory provided.
The plastic parts are much the same way.
DUB
Last edited by DUB; Mar 26, 2016 at 06:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
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From: Central Texas
I just tried my hand at this on a small scale. I used the SEM products in spray cans. I used the cleaner first, then the adhesion promoter, and finally the dye. I was skeptical about using three products to dye a piece of plastic but it worked great. Kinda pricey though.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I just tried my hand at this on a small scale. I used the SEM products in spray cans. I used the cleaner first, then the adhesion promoter, and finally the dye. I was skeptical about using three products to dye a piece of plastic but it worked great. Kinda pricey though.
Kinda like you getting a new concrete driveway and NOT wanting to pay for the aggregate in the mix to give it strength and save a few bucks....does NOT pay off in the long run.
DUB
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 521
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From: Lititz PA
You MUST clean them well to remove anything that would keep paint from adhering properly. Good old Dawn and water works great. Pat them dry, and let them dry thoroughly before attempting to coat them. I like to use a hair dryer or compressed air to clean out the nooks and crannies as well before a good air dry. Ensure you have no "fuzzies on the pieces from any drying cloths obviously. Use a good adhesion promotor. As for dyes, I have used SEM, but actually prefer the spray dyes from Corvette America. They cover well, and dry with a matte/satin finish like an original part. Hope this helps...
